Violence broke out at multiple locations across Israel on Wednesday during nationwide vehicle protests organized by the chareidi community against the arrests of yeshiva bochurim, with organizers reporting a series of alleged attacks on participants.
One of the most serious incidents occurred on Highway 1, where video circulated by protest organizers appears to show a passing driver pointing a handgun toward a group of chareidi demonstrators standing along the roadside. No shots were fired, but organizers condemned the incident as a grave threat and called on police to immediately investigate and arrest those responsible.
The Highway 1 incident was one of several violent confrontations reported throughout the day.
Near Ashdod on Route 7, organizers said a man blocked the path of a vehicle participating in the convoy, struck the car, attempted to assault the driver, shattered a side window, and threatened the occupants. Protest organizers said the incident was documented and would be turned over to police.
On the Ayalon Highway near Tel Aviv, participants alleged that a truck driver exited his vehicle armed with a knife and sticks before striking one of the protest vehicles and pounding on its windows while the occupants remained inside. The passengers immediately contacted police. No injuries were reported.
Another reported assault involved Beitar Illit Deputy Mayor Gedalyahu Eisenstein, who organizers say was attacked after another driver deliberately collided with his vehicle before allegedly choking him during the confrontation.
Meanwhile, violent clashes erupted in Arad between Gerrer Chassidim participating in the protests and secular residents and passersby. Police responded to the scene as tensions escalated.
Protest organizers also accused police of attempting to interfere with the demonstrations by issuing traffic citations to participants, calling it an infringement on the right to protest. They said their legal team would challenge any enforcement actions they believe unlawfully targeted demonstrators.
Police had not immediately released official statements regarding several of the reported incidents.
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4 Responses
If you can’t go to that army denounce citizenship and get it from another country, why not get citizenship someplace else
Civil war arrived. Nebuch.
Hareidim are setting the stage for the next election and a government where they watch their blackmail end.
I was on Highway 1 when the protests were going on. While I understand, and appreciate, having different views and wanting policies to be changed, someone is going to have to explain to me why yeshiva boys risking their lives by jumping in front of cars going 70 mph is allowed and condoned by halacha and their Rabbis.